Lassen Volcanic National Park

Quick Facts

Things To Do

Overview

Beneath Lassen Volcanic's peaceful forests and gem-like lakes lies evidence of a turbulent and fiery past. 600,000 years ago, the collision and warping of continental plates led to violent eruptions and the formation of lofty Mt. Tehama (also called Brokeoff Volcano.) After 200,000 years of volcanic activity, vents and smaller volcanoes on Tehama's flanks-including Lassen Peak-drew magma away from the main cone. Hydrothermal areas ate away at the great mountain's bulk. Beneath the onslaught of Ice Age glaciers, Mt. Tehama crumbled and finally ceased to exist. But the volcanic landscape lived on: in 1914, Lassen Peak awoke. The Peak had its most significant activity in 1915 and minor activity through 1921. Lassen Volcanic became a national park in 1916 because of its significance as an active volcanic landscape. All four types of volcanoes in the world are found in the park. Over 150-miles of trails and a culturally significant scenic highway provide access to volcanic wonders including steam vents, mudpots, boiling pools, volcanic peaks, and painted dunes.

Activities

Boating

Whether kayaking or canoeing, exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Non-motorized boats must access Manzanita, Butte, and Juniper Lakes at their designated boat launch areas.

Auto/Motorcycle

The Main Park Road provides incredible views of the Cascades and High Sierras, as well as access to mountain lakes and active hydrothermal areas.

Camping

There are eight campgrounds within Lassen Volcanic National Park, and a large part of Lassen's wilderness is available for wilderness camping with a free permit.

Fishing

Whether fishing from shore with the kids, or fly-fishing Manzanita Lake from a float-tube, Lassen Volcanic National Park has plenty of opportunities to land the big one. Trout have not been stocked in the park since the 1980s, but a healthy population of these fiesty fish still remain in many lakes and streams (though not in all of them). Manzanita Lake is famous for its large rainbow and brown trout, but keep in mind it is catch and release only and you must use single-hook, barbless, artificial lures only. Butte Lake and Horseshoe Lake both have healthy populations of trout. A valid California fishing license is required to fish in the park, and please keep the regulations below in mind before wetting your line in the park.

Hiking

There are over 150 miles of hiking trails within the park which range in difficulty from a strenuous 5 mile round-trip hike up Lassen Peak to a gentle 1.85 mile stroll around Manzanita Lake.

Seasonality/Weather

Park Partners

Established in 1939, the Lassen Association is a nonprofit partner that supports and assists Lassen Volcanic National Park in research, interpretation, and conservation programs. The mission of the Lassen Association is to promote the discovery of Lassen Volcanic National Park, enrich the experiences of visitors, and support the preservation and protection of the park for future generations.
You can support Lassen Volcanic by:
* Becoming a member of the Lassen Association
* Making a donation to the Lassen Association by calling (530) 529-3450
* Purchasing items from the Lassen Association bookstore, either online or at any park visitor center

The Lassen Park Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation that supports worthy projects in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The Lassen Park Foundation was responsible for raising $500,000 toward the construction of the Kohm yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and is actively involved in leading youth camping trips into the park. For more information, contact the Lassen Park Foundation at (530) 898-9309 or visit http://www.lassenparkfoundation.org.

Directions

Driving

The best access to the park is by private automobile. Auto rental services are available in Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Susanville or Reno. Fifty miles east of Red Bluff on highway 36, and 50 miles east of Redding on highway 44. Greyhound and Trailways bus lines serve cities within 60 miles of the park. Major airlines serve Redding, Chico and Reno.

Flying

Major airlines serve Redding and Chico, California as well as Reno, Nevada.